changing the brake pads for the first time on my 96 fwd dakota and found the bottom caliper pin striped not the pin but the housing ...not sure what to do now ..can anyone help

 

You can get what is called a Heli-coil. You'll need to know what size threads the pin is.

 

If the heli coil won't do the trick, like it didn't on mine, caliper pins off a Ford full size work very nicely, they're a little larger, but as you screw them in, it will retap the whole and you'll be ready to rock and roll.

 

They are a known problem. Carquest has a bulletin for this repair. They have a kit with a drill bit, tap and coil for it. If this does not work, you have to replace the knuckle.